Gavin Lerena reinforced his aspirations of a second SA championship title when he booted home five winners at Turffontein on Saturday to once again set the pace in what is the mostly keenly contested chase for the crown in some years.
First of five! Gavin Lerena steers the Clinton Binda-trained Season’s Wish to victory (Pic – JC Photos)
It is a decade since Lerena won his first national title and his tussle with reigning champion Richard Fourie and Craig Zackey, who is looking for his first title, is an intriguing one with the lead see-sawing almost daily.
Lerena edged ahead on Thursday with a treble that gave him a one-win lead over the Ridgemont-sponsored Richard Fourie.
On Friday Fourie put his head in front again with a double at Fairview, but with the Capetonian not riding on Saturday, Lerena came right back with five well-taken winners.
Craig Zackey rode 1 winner on the afternoon and only 7 winners cover the first three on the log.
At the close of play on Saturday evening, Lerena is on 242, with Fourie on 238 and Zackey on 235.
Fourie and Lerena enjoy a win strike-rate of 25% from a similar number of rides.
Zackey has been working hard with his 17,1% strike-rate, from almost more than 400 additional rides!
Craig Zackey – hard work can yet pay dividends! (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
On Sunday at Hollywoodbets Scottsville, the trio all have rides with Fourie taking 6, Zackey 4 and Lerena 3.
In Saturday’s Hollywoodbets Durban July, Fourie, who has won the big race three times, rides the favourite Eight On Eighteen, while Lerena, who won it on Kommetdieding in 2021, rides Madison Valley. Craig Zackey is hoping for a maiden Durban July victory and partners The Real Prince.
There are 29 racemeetings left this season.
