S’manga ‘Bling’ Khumalo and Gavin Lerena look set to dominate Thursday’s 10-race Inside track meeting at Turffontein on 17 July. Followers of both former champion jockeys could see up to seven winners between them if all goes to plan.
Lerena, who widened the gap on Richard Fourie and Craig Zackey with a five-timer at Turffontein last week, is well placed to add four more winners as he bids to reclaim the National Jockeys’ Championship.
His day could kick off strongly in Race 2 with Top Division, an impressive debut winner for Johan Janse van Vuuren. The Gimmethegreenlight colt drew clear over 1000m and should relish the extra 200m with that experience in hand.
In Race 4, Lerena partners Wise Counsel for Lucky Houdalakis. This Fire Away filly ran well in two sprints and should enjoy stepping up to 1450m, being out of a Jet Master mare who won up to 1950m.
Hopscotch, from Fanie Bronkhorst’s yard, could add another Lerena win in Race 5 over 1800m. She ran second over 2000m two starts back and should be hard to beat if reproducing that form.
Lerena’s day could end strongly with Phil The Fluter in Race 10. Robyn Klaasen’s gelding opened his account last month and should double up if handling his handicap debut.
Meanwhile, Khumalo’s 25% strike-rate with Mike & Adam Azzie bodes well for Safe Travel in Race 3 over 1450m. The Elusive Fort colt should improve over further after two solid runs at 1000m.
Khumalo also looks strong on last-start winner Miss Hannigan in Race 8 and consistent Play With Fire in Race 9 — both have solid claims to wrap up a big day for ‘Bling’.
Clive Robinson
