The 2026/27 South African racing season gets underway at Turffontein on Saturday with an eight-race Standside meeting that promises plenty of betting opportunities despite the absence of feature races.
All eyes will be on Gavin Lerena, who looks well placed to make a flying start after surrendering last season’s national jockeys’ title to Craig Zackey. With several leading rides, the former champion could enjoy a multiple-winning afternoon.
His first opportunity comes in Race 1 aboard GreenhillsofJamaica, a well-bred daughter of Gimmethegreenlight trained by Lucky Houdalakis. Making her debut as a four-year-old, she has clearly shown enough at home to justify the wait and warrants close attention if supported in the betting.
Lerena teams up with another Gimmethegreenlight progeny, Trompe L’Oeil, in Race 2. The Xander and Corne Spies-trained gelding impressed when winning on debut over 1000m last season and is expected to improve stepping up to 1160m.
Value seekers should consider Almond Sea in Race 4. The Tony Peter-trained mare hinted at a return to form last time and now returns to her preferred trip. Racing off a lower handicap mark, with first-time blinkers and Lerena aboard, she has the credentials to outrun generous odds.
The day’s standout betting prospect appears to be Culturati in Race 5. Grant Maroun’s gelding was outclassed in the Listed Derby Trial and Grade 2 SA Derby but showed encouraging improvement back in easier company. Dropping in grade, stretching out to 2000m and partnered by Lerena, he looks primed to return to winning ways.
Lerena’s final major chance comes with Sky Pilot in Race 7. The progressive Clinton Binda-trained four-year-old has thrived over 1600m, winning twice and narrowly missing another success. After an authoritative course-and-distance victory last time, he looks capable of overcoming a modest ratings rise and rates one of the day’s bankers.
Clive Robinson
