Gavin enters Wayne’s world

Jack Milner

Gavin Lerena is back in action and he looks set for another victory in Race 3 at the Vaal on Tuesday.

He rides Wayne in a Maiden Plate over 1400m and this son of Vercingetorix looks set to improve on his debut run in which he ran third behind Miami Mountain.

Two winners have come out of that form line including the winner of that race, trained by Mike and Mathew de Kock, who has already proven his ability with a follow up win in a Graduation Plate. He also ran in Saturday’s Graham Beck Stakes over 1400m but landed a wide draw and the going may not have been ideal for him.

However, Lucky Houdalakis-trained Wayne can only improve on that performance and despite a No 1 draw, which is not always ideal at the Vaal, especially in a 15-horse field, the three-year-old gelding stands out as a banker in all bets.

Highveld-based trainer Candice Dawson has her yard in fine form at present and also has high-class types heading for upcoming major races. There was a lot to like about the manner in which Trust powered home in the Graham Beck Stakes to finish just 0.60 lengths behind Tin Pan Alley.

She sends out Lonely As A Cloud in Race 5, a MR 66 Handicap over 1000m.He was one of the fastest finishers in his last race where he was lifted to MR 84 company and ran a very decent race. He was beaten only 3.50 lengths by useful De Kock-trained sprinter Roaming Spirit and he did that while suffering a cut in running.

The What A Winter gelding takes a sizable drop in class from that race as he now takes on a field low on quality.

Serino Moodley has done well when riding for the stable and he has been engaged to ride this four-year-old son of What A Winter.

Jack Milner’s selections

Race 1: 7 Slender Silhouette, 8 Queensland, 9 My Dear Friend, 5 Rockabilly

Race 2: 3 Master's Lady, 2 Emerald Forge, 10 Manyeleti, 12 Varachino's Champ

Race 3: 15 Wayne, 9 Go Johnny Go, 1 Amandla Ngawethu, 2 Arizona Magic

Race 4: 3 Arlington Action, 1 Banha Bridge, 7 Cartagena, 2 Sky Pillar Rock

Race 5: 2 Lonely As A Cloud, 5 Nkandla Gold, 3 In The Ether, 4 Michael Faraday

Race 6: 5 Romilly, 3 Vibe SA, 6 Antonio Gaudi, 8 Ice Dragon

Race 7: 8 Deception Pass, 6 Zanthar, 1 Presley, 9 Dylan's Champ

Race 8: 3 Sheets And Goggles, 4 Majalun, 2 Sunshine Day, 5 Gamer

BEST BET

Race 3: 15 Wayne

VALUE BET

Race 8: 3 Sheets And Goggles

BEST SWINGER

Race 3 9x15

BIPOT                          

R216

Leg 1: 7, 8

Leg 2: 2, 3, 10

Leg 3: 15

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 7

Leg 5: 2, 3, 5

Leg 6: 3, 5, 6

PLACE ACCUMULATOR

R324

Leg 1: 2, 3

Leg 2: 15

Leg 3: 1, 3, 7

Leg 4: 2, 5

Leg 5: 3, 5, 6

Leg 6: 1, 6, 8

Leg 7: 2, 3, 4

PICK 6

R1800

Leg 1: 15

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8

Leg 3: 2, 3, 4, 5

Leg 4: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8

Leg 5: 1, 6, 8

Leg 6: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7

JACKPOT 1

R360

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8

Leg 2: 2, 3, 4, 5

Leg 3: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8

Leg 4: 1, 6, 8

JACKPOT 2

R300

Leg 1: 2, 3, 4, 5

Leg 2: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8

Leg 3: 1, 6, 8

Leg 4: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7