We have just turned the corner and winter is on its way out so with small fields the order of the day it is best to stick to experienced riders who can judge the pace.
Jockey Gavin Lerena shines on these occasions and he has some decent rides at Turffontein on Saturday.
For the purpose of this article, we will concentrate on his first five rides.
King Of Numbers was a disappointment in his first four starts in the Western Cape when trained by Justin Snaith but has recently become a trend improvement was shown on local debut when runner-up in June.
Now under the care of Brett Webber he can make further improvement.
In Race 2, a Maiden Plate over 1400m Lerena will be aboard the filly for his fourth crack at a win.
The Gimmethegreenlight filly has improved with each run and should go one better on her recent runner-up performances.
The now three-year-old fully steps up in trip and that could make all the distance.
Lerena does not ride often for trainer Erico Verdonese but when he does, they have a good record together.
Their runner, Diesel’s Shadow, has won on the last two occasions Lerena has been aboard and was a well-backed winner last time out.
Gimme A shot is weighted to win Race 5 and she has been in good form of late but that is a competitive-looking race and she is probably at her very best over a bit shorter.
There was a lot to like about the debut win of Corrupt and he could follow up in Race 6, a MR 76 Handicap over 1400m. The Erupt gelding showed signs of inexperience on debut but quickened nicely at the finish to win over 1160m at this course.
Trainer Johan Janse van Vuuren has been quick to run him over the extra distance this time.
Clive Robinson
