BiPot the way to go at Vaal
Wrecking Ball, Daring Diva are all you need
Last Tuesday Gavin Lerena booked seven rides at the Vaal and registered three victories, three seconds and a fourth-place finish. If he isn’t winning he is at least running a place. That makes him worth following for the BiPot.
He has promising rides today and appears the one to beat in Race 5, a FM Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m where he rides Grant Maroun-trained Wrecking Ball who was in need of the run when beaten 5.10-lengths into sixth place by The Thinker last time. This daughter of Great Britain was returning from a rest and should strip fitter now. She is the best handicapped runner and has run well for Lerena.
The only concern is that improving three-yearold Daring Diva could be better than her rating and Wrecking Ball has to give her 6kg. Barend Botes-trained Daring Diva wasn’t disgraced when finishing 4.60-lengths in fourth behind Pera Palace in her last start. The pair should be all you need in your BiPot.
Some of the best sprinters on the Highveld will lock horns in Race 6, a Pinnacle Stakes over 1000m and a tightly contested finish is anticipated. Most of these speedsters will be returning from lengthy lay-offs so fitness could be a concern. Three runner’s stand out and on form it is the Sean Tarry-trained Exquisite Touch who could be the one to beat. She holds Lerena’s mount, Green Pepper, on form having defeated her in the Man O’ War Sprint (Grade 3) last time.
Both should contest the finish and of the fit runners it is Talk-to-the-stars who makes the most appeal. This Coenie de Beer-trained six-year-old has finished third in his last two outings. He is no stranger to carrying heavy mass so the 61.5kg on his back shouldn’t raise too many red flags.
Sir David Baird will be looking to redeem himself when partnered by Anthony Delpech in Race 4, a MR 80 Handicap over 1400m.
This Dynasty gelding was a 1-3 favourite last time when beaten 0.50 lengths by Darkest Hour. He has scope for improvement and is a PA and BiPot banker.